Drone crash investigation
A drone which crashed in a field of crops around 40m from people’s homes has been found to be ‘of poor design and build quality’.
A drone that crashed about 40m from people’s homes was of poor design and build quality an investigation has found.
Whilst performing a demonstration flight at Goodwood Aerodrome on July 4, 2019, a remote pilot lost control of the 95kg unmanned aircraft, an Alauda Airspeeder Mk II scale demonstrator.
After the loss of control had been confirmed by the remote pilot, the safety ‘kill switch’ was operated but had no effect.
The drone then climbed to approximately 8,000ft, entering controlled airspace at a holding point for flights arriving at Gatwick Airport, before its battery depleted and it fell to the ground.
It crashed in a field of crops approximately 40m from occupied houses and 700m outside of its designated operating area.
No injuries were reported. Crispin Orr, chief inspector of air accidents, said: “The innovative development of unmanned aircraft systems continues to be rapid and the exploitation of these technologies in a wide variety of novel applications is remarkable.
“However, this is not completely without risk to the general public.
“Thankfully there were no injuries caused by this accident but the potential for a more serious outcome was clear. This accident demonstrates why it is so important that manufacturers, operators and regulators of unmanned aircraft ensure they are airworthy and operated in a safe and appropriate manner.
“The investigation has provided a rich opportunity to learn and many safety actions have been taken or recommended to improve the safety of unmanned aviation.”
The AAIB found that the Airspeeder Mk II was not designed, built or tested to any recognisable engineering or airworthiness standards, and that its design and build quality were poor.
The operator’s Operating Safety Case contained errors and inaccuracies.
In a statment, the investigator in charge of air accidents, Mark Jarvis, said: “This investigation has highlighted that there is a great deal of innovation and potential in unmanned aircraft, however, their potential to cause harm must be understood, very carefully considered and fully mitigated.
“Analysis shows that even a small unmanneed aircraft falling from a few metres could cause fatal injuries if it struck a member of the public.
“The key safety message from this investiagtion is that designers and operators of unmanned aircraft must ensure aircrafts, even prototypes, are air worthy and operated in a safe and appropriate manner.”
A Chichester police officer has received praise for her efforts to tackle anti-social behaviour and disorder.
Sergeant Amy Mcalees is one of three new neighbourhood policing sergeants making a positive impact in the Arun and Chichester districts.
Since taking on the new role in July 2020, Sgt Mcalees has focused on the Manhood peninsula, where her team’s determination in tackling anti-social behaviour and disorder, particularly in Selsey and Bosham during lockdown, has received recognition from local councils and residents.
“Bosham saw a large increase in anti-social behaviour in the summer months of 2020 during Covid restrictions,” Sgt Mcalees said.
“To tackle this we targeted regular patrol activity, with both a PCSO and PC presence, and used community resolutions and fines. I also set up a local action team, made up of residents, the council, business people and others.
“The community have reported a significant decrease in anti-social behaviour and we are planning to continue this into spring and summer 2021. We have been really touched by the positive feedback we got, including nine letters of thanks from local residents.”
The policing team has taken a ‘joined-up approach’ in Selsey, with days of action targeting local hotspots to identify young people involved in anti-social behaviour and ‘positive action to prevent further offending’.
This is in partnership with the community warden, the local school, the parish council and other agencies.
Sgt Mcalees added: “We have a police hub within the Selsey town hall and I instruct the local PCSOS and PC to work out of this hub, so they can work closely with the parish council. The local community have reported they are feeling safer and more confident in the services we are providing.”
Sgt Mcalees and her team have received a large number of thank you letters.
“I have a high work ethic in myself and that will always roll downwards if you support those you lead,” she said. “I always make sure my team feel respected, valued and supported. I recognise and praise the good work they do. I pride myself on the work my team and I do in order to deliver an excellent service to the public, and am very proud of the praise they have received inside and outside the organisation.”
An operation approach led by Sgt Mcalees, alongside colleague Laura Marmalejo, has had success in engaging the street community to reduce offending and risk of harm.
Sgt Mcalees continued: “It’s about working in partnership with other agencies to support the street community and provide safeguarding and rehabilitation rather than putting them through the justice system, which often doesn’t serve as a deterrent for this community. By focusing on the individuals rather than solely the offending, the operation has resulted in a decrease of reports and an increase in positive outcomes and marked improvements for individuals.”
Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne said the decision was made to recruit 17 new neighbourhood policing sergeants after listening to public feedback.
She said: “I have listened intently to public feedback on local policing and Chief Constable [Jo] Shiner shares in the determination to bolster neighbourhood policing and provide the visibility residents have asked for. I’m so pleased that last year’s precept has funded additional leadership for these teams so that officers will be given clear direction to tackle local issues, using vital community intelligence.this further strengthening of our frontline I’m sure is welcome news to all residents and it’s impressive the positive impact that they have made in such a short space of time.”
The nation’s high streets have been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic and Chichester is no exception.
Shops which have left the city centre since the beginning of the pandemic include; Topshop/topman; Wallis; Flight Centre; Carphone Warehouse; Parker and Gibbs; Edinburgh Woollen Mill; Pret a Manger; Wahaca; Glorious Spa and St Wilfrid’s on South Street.
Shoe repair shop SKE Services has also announced its closure on social media.
“The last year has seen massive challenges to the nation’s high streets, with many of the familiar stalwarts of UK commerce disappearing,” said Chichester BID projects manager, Oriana Di Mascio.
“Chichester city centre hasn’t escaped casualties.”
However, in the words of Mr Di Mascio, there is a ‘spirit of resilience’ in the city, and the ‘draw of our beautiful city’ has encouraged three new businesses to set up during the pandemic; Rainbows, an ice cream parlour in Crane Street; HS Coffee, in the Cathedral Courtyard; and micropub The Escapist, in Crane Street.
The BID is looking forward to welcoming another four new businesses, who plan to open post-lockdown, including, a Japanese food outlet, a pet groomers and a bathroom shop.
Mr Di Mascio added: “The BID continues in its efforts to support its members through this difficult time with regular communication, advice and updates on available support and grants.
“The online business without
directory also continues to be a popular tool for people looking to support local.
“Our new client relationship manager has
been working closely with businesses that are able to trade under the current restrictions to provide support and advice.
“This activity will increase as we exit lockdown and she will prove a vital resource for our business community in the weeks to come.”
Staff and pupils have told of their excitement at being able to return to the classroom following a government annoucment this week.
On Monday, the Prime Minister confirmed schools would be returning to normal from March 8.
Westbourne House School headmaster, Martin Barker, said: “We were delighted to hear the Government’s announcement. We cannot wait to see the children back in the classrooms and playing games and sport outside with their friends. Children need face-to-face socialisation and lots of physical activity every bit as much as face-to-face teaching.
“Being with friends and being active in playtimes as well as during PE and games lessons is absolutely crucial for their wellbeing and health.”
Beatrice Slack, age six, from Birdham, said: “I am looking forward to playing with my friends in the playground. We love playing spy games in the woods.”
Key worker pupil, George Hobkirk, eight, from Chichester, said: “I was happy when I heard because then I can see all my friends again and play sports with my friends all the time.
“I also look forward to being with my teacher Mr Halliday and doing the lessons all together in class.”
Headteacher of Chichester High School Joanne Mckeown said she was ‘delighted’ at the news and told parents: “It is crucial we get them back to school with their friends, learning well and thriving in all aspects of their lives.
“I know the return will also create some anxieties for a whole host of reasons but please be assured that we are here to listen, support and respond.”